Soundcraft have launched its Si Expression digital console range at this year’s NAMM Show, which the company says is ‘the most advanced digital console in this low price category.’ Available in three frame sizes, Si Expression 1, 2 and 3 offering 16, 24 and 32 fader and mic inputs respectively; all three are capable of up to 66 inputs to mix by connecting any Soundcraft stagebox, including the two new Mini Stagebox 16 and 32 (16 x 8 and 32 x 16) models also launched at NAMM, or by connecting additional inputs over MADI or AES/EBU. All external inputs are additional to the connections on the desk itself. The mixer features processing from Harman siblings BSS, dbx, Lexicon and Studer and a colour touchscreen, iPad ViSi Remote control and Soundcraft FaderGlow, adopted from the company’s Vi Series large format consoles. The desks DSP engine provides 4-band parametric EQ, delays, gates and compressors on every input, parametric and 30-band graphic EQ, compressors and delays on all outputs, as well as four Lexicon stereo effects devices, all capable of being utilised at the same time. Soundcraft ViSi Remote allows remote control of the console from an iPad. Andy Trott, Soundcraft and Studer’s vice president and general manager commented that this is one of the most exciting new developments in his 10 years running Harman’s mixer business: “A Soundcraft at this low price point is a departure from tradition for us,” he noted. “The Si Expression is based on new technology bridging the current Si Compact and Si Performer ranges and meets a totally new price point for Soundcraft making this product highly attractive to those looking for a professional console, at a budget price. Other companies will continue to produce ‘cheap’ mixers, we make professional, high-quality, easy to use mixers in the same price range – which makes the customer’s decision easier!” www.soundcraft.com

Adlib is one of the first companies to have invested in Soundcraft’s Si Performer – the recently-launched hybrid audio/lighting console – having bought four from Sound Technology at this year’s PLASA show.

UK/GERMANY: Soundcraft has taken the platform provided by the Vi Series digital desks to "another, more affordable level" with the release of the new Vi1 console. Incorporating Vistonics, Lexicon FX and BSS EQs, the Soundcraft Vi1 will be showcased at ProLight+Sound 2010 in Frankfurt next week.